COVID-19 - Get vaccinated and stay up to date, and find public health advice for residents.

Children and Youth Vaccination Records

Children and youth are not required to get a COVID-19 vaccine to attend school, so there is no exemption process for the COVID-19 vaccine in relation to school attendance. Eligible children and youth are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated.

By law in Ontario, Public Health needs:
  • An up-to-date vaccination record, or
  • A valid exemption form

This is required for each child attending a licensed child care centre, licensed home child care agency (Child Care and Early Years Act, 2014) or school (Immunization of School Pupils Act).

Parents are responsible for providing up-to-date vaccination information.

Checking vaccination records

You can check to see if your child has the vaccines they need to attend child care or school by:

Getting your child vaccinated

In addition to the required vaccinations, Public Health strongly recommends:

Your child's vaccines are based on a routine schedule starting at two months of age. When following the routine schedule, timing matters. By following this, your child will stay up-to-date with the required and recommended vaccinations.

The schedule gives some age ranges for your child to receive a vaccine (four to six and 14 to 16 years).

Your child becomes overdue for the four to six year booster once they turn seven years of age. However, your child becomes due for their 14 to 16 year booster 10 years after receiving their four to six year booster.

For example, if they receive their four to six year booster at four years of age, they become due for their 14 to 16 year booster at 14 years of age. For questions, contact the vaccine team.

Learn more about where to get vaccinated.

Report your child's vaccinations

You can report your child's vaccination by:

  • Completing our online form
  • Calling 905-688-8248 or 1-888-505-6074 ext. 7425
  • Faxing your vaccination record (yellow card) to 905-688-8225

Required vaccinations


Vaccine Preventable Disease Child Care School
Diphtheria Required Required
Haemophilus Influenza Type B (Hib) Required
Measles Required Required
Meningococcal Required Required
Mumps Required Required
Pertussis (whooping cough) Required Required
Pneumococcal Required
Polio Required Required
Rubella (German measles) Required Required
Tetanus (lockjaw) Required Required
Varicella (chickenpox) for children born in 2010 or after Required Required

More information

  • Answering your child's questions

    A parent or caregiver's words and actions can influence how well children cope during vaccination.

    Toddlers and preschoolers may be told they will be getting a needle just before getting the vaccine. School-aged children may be told at home that they will be getting a needle. Use the CARD system to provide a more positive vaccination experience for both you and your child.

    Answer the question:

    • Why do I need a vaccine? with "To keep you and those around you healthy and safe."
    • What will happen? with "We can ask the doctor / nurse to let you know what they are doing and when."
    • How will it feel? with "You might feel a poke or a small pinch that will last a few seconds."

    After the vaccination, tell your child that they did well. Positive recognition and rewards after the procedure, such as stickers, help a child feel good about the skills they learned during the procedure.

  • Suspension from school letters

    Public Health is postponing the enforcement of the Immunization of School Pupils' Act for this school year and will not implement suspensions.

    Public Health intends to resume the record review process in the 2022-2023 school year.

  • Exemption forms

    You will need a valid exemption affidavit for your child to attend child care or school when:

    • A doctor or nurse practitioner indicates a statement of medical exemption is needed because:
      • Your child has a medical condition that prevents them from receiving the vaccine, or
      • There's evidence of your child's immunity to the disease, making further immunization unnecessary
    • You choose not to vaccinate your child for conscience or religious reasons
  • Resources
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